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A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: "The Government believes that any change to the law in this emotive and contentious area is an issue of individual conscience and a matter for Parliament to decide rather than Government policy."

Baroness Jay of Paddington has called for medical professionals to be allowed to aid the death of terminally ill patients if requested. Credit: Ian West/PA

The former leader of the House of Lords this week called for a change in the law to allow terminally ill patients to die with the assistance of medical professionals.

While guidance from the director of public prosecutions suggests that loved ones who end the lives of terminally ill adults should not be prosecuted. However, assistance from professionals remains prohibited.

Speaking on Friday, Baroness Jay of Paddington questioned whether it was sensible for parliament "to condone compassionate amateur assistance to die while prohibiting professional medical assistance which might be equally compassionate and more skilfully gentle".